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For those with money burning a hole in their pockets, we can offer something of value to take it’s place. Chrome Hearts model ‘Droolin’ is a robust frame which folds to half it’s width- ideal for easy packing in the pants or the purse.

Fitted with stainless steel hinges and featuring cast sterling .925 fleur details, this articulated frame is a result of the brand’s rigorous commitment to quality and innovation.

The hand-made case which accompanies this model is crafted of full grain Italian leather (the best genuine raw hide available) and is embossed with the Chrome Hearts logo. Marked by such distinctive features, there will be no mistaking where your brand loyalty lies.

The panther is the most recognizable animal motif associated with the venerated house of Cartier. A pattern based on the the cat’s spotted coat was first incorporated as a design element on a wrist watch in 1914.

Jeanne Toussaint c.1920Cartier’s director of fine jewelry from 1933

Due to her elegant and independent nature ‘the Panther ‘ was also the nickname of Jeanne Toussaint, one of the house’s legendary designers . Under her influence the Cartier jewelers were the first to explore femininity through the metaphor of the panther. It’s effigy continues to adorn the houses’ sumptuous jeweler and eyewear.

The most currant appearance of the panther’s head is as a unique decor found on a new collection of sunglasses now in stock at our stores.

Inspired by a famous ring featuring the same chiseled lines, the injection molded head decors feature 23 hand lacquered black spots and green eyes. The meticulously hand polished and assembled metal frame components are each plated in a palladium layer and finished in either gold or platinum. The rectangular and cat eye shaped frames are crafted of tortoiseshell, burgundy and black acetate.

Certain shades of blue can evoke a cool, reflective mood. The colour has inspired and preoccupied innovative artists such as Joni Mitchell and Pablo Picasso. Indigo, specifically, is regarded as the colour of intuition, perception and the higher mind. Blues are powerful, dignified and integral to heightening the powers of perception.

La Celestina, 1904 by Pablo Picasso. Musee National Picasso, Paris

The French conceptual artist Yves Klein developed his own shade of blue in observance of the Nouveau Realisme movement’s manifesto which encouraged the production of work inspiring a “new way of perceiving the real”.

Sill, 1960 by Yves Klein. Mixed media

It is only fitting that optical devices suited to enhancing ones vision should incorporate a colour believed to effect perception! Some frames crafted by Claire Goldsmith and Anne et Valentin are produced in an intense ‘Indigo’.

The deep, dramatic laser etched finish of l.a. Eyeworks‘ Flying Wallendas model is accentuated by its presentation in ‘Liquid Navy’ as depicted below.

We invite you to appraise our selection and to experience the merits of blue!

Our stores are currently stocked with an assortment of sun glasses sure to satisfy the most discerning of clientele. While you frolic in the surf this summer, or recline in repose upon a chaise lounge, be sure to protect your precious eyes!

Specimen of Lace, William Henry Fox Talbot circa 1839-1845, National Gallery of Canada

An indication of good design is the achievement of a critical balance between form and negative space. This rule applies as well to the production of lace as it does to the manufacturing of eyewear.

l.a. Eyeworks has filled a niche of sorts with a collection that has left things out. Using state of the art techniques to perforate stainless steel, this innovated company has created delicate patterns by combining open space with dense texture.

Because they reference a contemporary trend of using perforated steel in industrial design and architecture, these frames are truly of the moment.

This weekend in Toronto a critical mass of the G.B.L.T. community will flock together to express their resolve and assert their solidarity. The annual Pride festivities will showcase gender diversity and facilitate uninhibited self expression.

Before strutting like a peacock, consider dawning some ‘gay’ apparel -especially eyewear as worthy of exposure as you are!

Adorned with hand set embellishments , laminated feathers and patterned silk fabrics, the new specimens from Francis Klein are proof of variation within a species.

Local provocateurs Carol Pope and Kevan Staples , formerly of the group Rough Trade, have sung the praises of birds of a feather.

photograph by Zorge Zontal c. 1980

Those of a certain vintage who still think ‘Jung’ may appreciate this link to the bands 1976 performance on C.B.C.’s ’90 Minutes Live’ hosted by the late Peter Gzowski.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Western Europe is renowned for it’s vineyards and breweries. Its production of steel is also note worthy. But perhaps it’s most prestigious export is the eyewear brand Gold &Wood founded by Maurice Leonard in 1995. As the company continues to produce creations imbued with a timeless elegance, it has trademarked the aptly descriptive term luxury “Eyepieces”.

The masterful craftsmanship and industrial innovation required to produce these exceptional pieces is remarkable. The lamination of fine veneers of noble materials in raw form is executed with exquisite precision .

Rare woods, such as tanganika and carob, of a controlled provenance are sourced for use from regions where systematic reforestation is monitored. Authentic buffalo horn is procured from farms adhering to ethical standards of harvesting.

The styling of models currently in our stores reflect a contemporary interpretation of shapes popularized in the 1950’s. Those depicted incorporate rose gold, California walnut bur and bubinga (above) and marbled horn and ebony (below).